The tree is his penis // it's very exciting // when held up to his mouth // the lights are all lighting // his eyes start a-bulging // in unbridled glee // the tree is his penis // its beauty, effulgent -amandabear

As far as I know, it isn't (though I wasn't at the vet appt). We need to bring it down to a manageable level, and after that just continue to give him meds to keep things from getting worse. He's almost 15 so I'm worried that he's never going to get that much better.

_________________"I feel like it's not a real political discussion if I'm not morally opposed to something I don't understand." - ndpittman

Aw, I'm so sorry to hear this, Brandy. Thoughts with you and Mr. Vicious and Midnight.

_________________I would eat Dr. Cow pocket cheese in a second. I would eat it if you hid it under your hat, or in your backpack, but not if it was in your shoe. That's where I draw the line. -allularpunk

My friend's young cat (5 maybe?) had it really bad and was on lots and lots of meds. They were able to manage it for a while. They only gave him a few months to live but he made it about a year with careful care and monitoring, and then passed away at home one day. I think he may have had other congenital problems mixed in too, which complicated things.

My best friend's cat just was diagnosed with this, too. Many hugs to you, that is hard to deal with. I know my friend's cat is doing really well with his meds, and he's 17, but is much perkier with the treatment, so maybe all is not lost just yet. Thinking good thoughts for your family, kitty included.

_________________"I think I am going to turn into a chickpea." ~DakiniLove is like a pineapple, sweet and undefinable~ Piet Hein

How scary! I'm so glad it's been caught and you're able to treat it. I am optimistic that it's manageable. Lady Marmalade is on steroids at this point forever, and she's only five. She may also go on antidepressants forever, depending on what the vet finds out about tricyclics and cats.

Update: his arrhythmia is now very, very faint, and the fluid around his heart is gone. He's still taking tons of medicine but at least the vet said he doesn't need another checkup for a few months. (He's been to the vet once a week since I first posted.)

_________________"I feel like it's not a real political discussion if I'm not morally opposed to something I don't understand." - ndpittman

Looking at your location -- my friend whose cat had heart issues was also north of Boston, and she worked with a veterinary cardiologist who she adored. I can get the name for you if you ever feel like you need one.

Looking at your location -- my friend whose cat had heart issues was also north of Boston, and she worked with a veterinary cardiologist who she adored. I can get the name for you if you ever feel like you need one.

Thank you! I'm very happy with his current one so far but I'll keep that in mind.

_________________"I feel like it's not a real political discussion if I'm not morally opposed to something I don't understand." - ndpittman